My sister Erika never liked kids — especially not mine. So when she suddenly offered to babysit my son Austin, I was suspicious. At first, I was just grateful for the help, but when she began volunteering again and again, my instincts told me something was off. One day, I followed her — and what I discovered nearly broke me.

Erika and I were opposites from childhood. I was the quiet, responsible one, while she was wild and reckless, always chasing thrills. She’d never shown the slightest interest in babies, so I never trusted her with Austin. But one desperate day, with my nanny sick and my husband busy, I had no choice but to leave Austin in Erika’s care. To my shock, she managed well and even offered to babysit again. Soon it became a habit, and she insisted more than I asked.

Then came the first red flag. Erika asked for Austin’s birthday, muttering under her breath before brushing it off. Later that day, I secretly followed her. She didn’t take him to the park like she’d said — she drove across town to meet Toby, her ex. My heart stopped when I saw Toby take Austin into his arms like he was his own son.

When I confronted Erika, the truth spilled out. Toby had assumed Austin was hers, and she hadn’t corrected him. She was using my child to win her ex back. Furious, I demanded she come clean. She promised she would.

But weeks later, Erika disappeared with Austin for hours. My panic grew until I discovered she had taken him on a “getaway” with Toby, who still believed he was Austin’s father. That was the final straw. I grabbed my son and told Erika I was done. She had crossed the line.

Some betrayals you can forgive. But using my child as a pawn? Never.